Implementation of Pets in the Treatment of Autism in Children
The issue of autism is one that has crippled many spheres of life for many. The children affected with the autism condition are known to belong to the unfortunate and the less fortunate in the society. With any challenges and issues already discussed the question of autism, so much needs o be considered about autisms challenge. One useful measure in place to handle the problem of autism is the use of pets. The implementation of animal-assisted measures for controlling autism in children is one that is most interesting not only to the affected parties but the overall global health fraternity ( Grigore & Rusu, 2014) . Therefore, it is in the interest if this paper to roll-out a plan that will see the use of pets in assisting the children affected with autism challenge.
The recognition of the pets as means of treating autism. The children that suffer the autism condition experience rejection and intimidation by their peers and playmates. Such discriminations are known to affect the physical and the mental growth of such children. The most reliable treatment for such conditions as has been discovered by several researchers is through the use of the animal-assisted interventions. The social support theory that considers in details the effectiveness of the human-animal interaction is one that offers deep understanding to the comfort and knowledge of the use of pets to treat autism in children. A step by step order is required to ensure that the effectiveness of the treatment of the disorder is top-notch.
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Project Implementation
This project recognized importance of the Human-Animal bond as the best means to control the challenge of autism in children. The identification of a health team in specified location will be the surest way by with the project will be identified on a step-by-step approach. The health team, probably a group of 10 health practitioners in the area of about 1000M2 will be sufficient to collect and gather as many cases of autism children as possible. The basophilic approach will see the effectiveness of the animal-related therapy being best implemented. The basophilic theory is pegged on the understanding that humans are tied to and are most attracted to the animal behavior. Humans are most likely to adjust their character, develop a more profound sense of responsibility and recover from therapeutic issues concerning the health issues.
Balance
This project will seek balance for all the affected autism children. The finding that dog is the best pet to use in the AAT for all the children affected by autism, the project will seek to strike a balance for the patients and lasts for about one month ( Wright et al., 2015) . The best way to help the children to attain balance will be through simple activities as discussed in stages:
Allowing the children to walk the dog while standing is the best approach. When the children make the dog walk freely on the compound or while on their feet or from the comfort of their wheelchair will help them attain a high degree of balance.
While strolling with the dog, the child should strive to bend to pick up their toys or throw some toys for the dog. This will help them to attain high-level of balance.
The project shall also help the children to fill the dog’s water bowl and setting it down for the dog. This is effective in improving the kids to reach the dog from the left or right side.
Endurance
The project shall also seek to attain the endurance level for the children affected by autism. The selected health teams will have to create some activities in the implementation stage by engaging the patients in some events. This stage can last for about two weeks period.
Throwing the ball or any toy to the dog for an extended period while standing. This will help the patients to attain patience and endurance as a recovery plan for the children who have autism.
The next exercise to help the children recover is by walking with of in the garden for an extended period; this will help them advance their endurance in this exercise.
Fine and Gross Motor Skills
The AAT approach for the children with autism will be best explained with the acceleration of the process to help them advance their Motor Skills. While this step always comes at advanced stages of the treatment stages, it is one of the most critical scenes that may last for one month until the children are stable. The AAT step in developing and advancing the Fine and Gross Motor Skills.
Grasping or reaching for threats is the surest way of helping the children to enhance their motor skills.
The child can also be helped to enhance their ability to open and close the containers that contain the treatment drugs. Such activities contribute to stabilize and strengthen the muscles.
The children are supposed to be trained in how to direct the dog. They should be educated on the usage of buttons, knots, buckles, and clips on the dog. By holding the dog tight and close, the patients advance the ability to control grip and enhance their system of motor sensory.
The children should be taught on dressing the dog. As part of the AAT, the patients can develop attachment and deep connection with the pet.
The best way to enhance the motor-sensory aspect of development for the children suffering autism is by strengthening the dogs with grooming and spraying of the pets.
Memory/Cognitive
Pets are known to improve the cognitive potential of the patients that have autism. The autism condition affects the children in the way it makes the children lose their memory and possibility to keep the hold of their minds. The ability of the children to enhance their minds by engaging the pets is the surest way to increase the cognitive capacity ( Grigore & Rusu, 2014) .
Remembering the pet’s name is one way of enhancing memories and cognitive ability. Getting hold of the dog’s breed history and other traits is one of the best ways of using the pets to improve the patient’s memory.
The child should also remember such aspects as the pet’s handler’s name. By recognizing the name of the people that interact with the pet, the child will be well on their path to recovery.
The AAT for autism may also include the child playing with the picture book that has the dog’s photo.
Problem Solving
The activities that relate to the treatment should see the children that suffer from autism condition design problem solving through the close engagements. The problem-solving ability is depicted in the cases where the child can identify a solution to the children offer some directions and commands to the pet ( Berry, Borgi, Francia, Alleva & Cirulli, 2013) . According to the principles of AAT, the child should choose to be engaged for about two extra weeks.
Choosing the kind of activities to engage in with the dog enables the child to recover and enhance their problem-solving ability.
Giving appropriate commands and directions to the dog will ensure that the patient improves their level of understanding and potential.
The kids also learn to what the type of treatment for the dogs and where to find them. This is the surest way of developing a proper and stable relationship with the dog. The child also learns to decide where to hide the treat for the dog beyond reach.
The implementation stages for the AAT treatment especially with dogs are multifaceted. One f the ways to ensure that the result is useful is by engaging in some activities such as walking with the Pet Therapy. This stage of treatment is at the advanced stages at this moment the kid is strong enough to move and walk around with the pet albeit with some supervision from the guardians. The walking pet therapy enhances the decisiveness of the child, helps them improve their motor skills by guiding the dogs through the terrains. They also learn to make simple decisions such as what paths to make the dogs follow and what food to give them along the way.
Playing the pets and taking primary care for the pets is also useful in as far as dealing with decisions and guiding the pets through the basics requirements elements of pet treatment. The coordination of all the pet-related activities is yet one of the surest ways of ensuring that the challenges of autism are adequately addressed and solved.
References
Berry, A., Borgi, M., Francia, N., Alleva, E., & Cirulli, F. (2013). Use of assistance and therapy dogs for children with autism spectrum disorders: A critical review of the current evidence. The journal of alternative and complementary medicine , 19 (2), 73-80.
Grigore, A. A., & Rusu, A. S. (2014). Interaction with a therapy dog enhances the effects of social story method in autistic children. Society & Animals , 22 (3), 241-261.
Grigore, A. A., & Rusu, A. S. (2014). Interaction with a therapy dog enhances the effects of social story method in autistic children. Society & Animals , 22 (3), 241-261.
Wright, H. F., Hall, S., Hames, A., Hardiman, J., Mills, R., Mills, D. S., & PAWS Team. (2015). Acquiring a pet dog significantly reduces the stress of primary carers for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A prospective case-control study. Journal of autism and developmental disorders , 45 (8), 2531-2540.
